Sindi: A Zulu Cinderella

by Thembani Mnyandu, Desaray Wilson-Mnyandu, Shayna Olivier (Illustrator)

Overview

In the far east of South Africa, among the rolling hills of Zulu land, life isn't easy for sweet Sindi. In her father's absence, she's treated cruelly by her lazy aunt and cousins. Despite her troubles, Sindi can think of nothing else but the upcoming Reed Dance, an incredible event celebrated by all the maidens in the Zulu kingdom! Though her problems threaten to ruin her chance to go to the dance and to find true love, her grandmother's wisdom, her own courage, and a touch of magic help Sindi discover that she can take charge of her own remarkable journey.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781736525272
Publisher:	Zulunomics
Publication date:	12/09/2023
Pages:	42
Product dimensions:	7.00(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.11(d)
Age Range:	3 - 10 Years

Editorial Reviews

2024-01-30
Mnyandu and Wilson-Mnyandu’s picture book gives a vibrant new setting to an old classic.

Sindi, a young Black woman living in Zulu Land, enjoys her blissful life with her father, called Baba, taking care of their home, but unfortunately the happiness isn’t fated to last. When Baba gets a job as a tour bus driver, he invites his sister, Busi, and her two daughters, Mbali and Thuli, to stay with Sindi during the long stretches while he is away from home. Sindi’s cousins take advantage of her father’s absence to order her about and mock her: “That’s what you’re wearing to the Reed Dance? It seems more suited for a goat herder than a maiden.” Sindi is heartbroken and runs to her gogo (grandmother), who helps her prepare for the dance nonetheless. Once there, Sindi has a fabulous time meeting the prince of the Zulu royal family, but she must return home before her cousins, and in her rush she leaves behind her ucu necklace. This adaptation of Cinderella is innovative in its seamless insertion of Zulu cultural elements, which elevate the oft-told story with the twists they introduce into the plot and their explicit rejection of magic. Oliver’s vibrant watercolor illustrations reflect the energy and passion to be found in Zulu Land.

A creative, refreshing twist on Cinderella that educates readers about Zulu culture.

Kirkus Reviews